Person-First Language (PFL) is often considered the most respectful way to talk about disabilities and differences, as it places the focus on the individual and not the illness or disability they have. PFL uses phrases such as “person with a disability” and “individuals with disabilities” as opposed to phrases that identify people based merely on their disability, such as “the disabled.”

The People First Respectful Language Modernization Act of 2006 was enacted by the Council of the District of Columba on July 11, 2006 to “require the use of respectful language when referring to people with disabilities in all new and revised District laws, regulations, rules, and publications and all internet publications.” Source: People First Respectful Language Modernization Act of 2006, page 1, lines 15-16‍

To use person-first language, simply say the person's name or use a pronoun first, follow it with the appropriate verb, and then state the name of the disability. E.g. Jack has diabetes (instead of Jack's a diabetic).

Many disability advocates and supporters believe that using person-first language helps people remember they are speaking with a person who has dignity, feelings, and rights. The person is not a disability or a disease. They are people with a disability or disease. This shift may seem subtle to some, but it can be very powerful for many.

However, it’s important to note that people with disabilities have their own preferences about how to discuss their differences. These preferences may be highly individual or may be aligned with some consistent preferences among people in certain groups. In recent years, some people with disabilities are pushing for identity-first language (e.g., “disabled person”) that centers on disability while still recognizing personhood. Identity-first language was born from the disability pride movement, which positions that disability is nothing to be ashamed of.

For example, in some deaf communities, it is preferable to say, "they're deaf," rather than "they have deafness." In some communities of the blind, "they're blind" is favored over "they have blindness." Some others may prefer to say, "person without sight.”

When in doubt, observe and listen to the language used by a person with a disability or difference, and take your cues from what is said.

So, which terms should you use? It really depends on context. If you are communicating with someone one-on-one, just ask them what they prefer. If you are writing something for a larger audience, it is usually best if default to person-first. Either way, asking first is always the best thing to do.

Below find examples, in alphabetical order, of ways to substitute PFL for outdated and/or offensive terminology.

(A) Outdated term:

“afflicted with disability”
"autistic"

‍(A) Replace with:

“has autism”
“has autism”

‍(C) Outdated term:

“crippled”‍

(C) Replace with:

“has a disability”

‍(D) Outdated term:

“the disabled”
“disabled adults”
“disabled people”
“disabled children”
“disabled voters”‍

(D) Replace with:‍

“people with disabilities”
“adults with disabilities”
“people with disabilities”
“children with disabilities”
“voters with disabilities”

‍(F) Outdated term:

“feebleminded”

‍(F) Replace with:

“has a cognitive disability”

‍(H) Outdated term:

"a handicap”
“the handicapped”
“handicapped buses”
“handicapped bathrooms”
“handicapped parking”
“handicapped buses”
“handicapped bathrooms”
“handicapped parking”

‍(H) Replace with:

“a disability”
“a disability”
“accessible buses”
“accessible bathrooms”
“accessible parking”
OR
“buses accessible to people with disabilities”
“bathrooms accessible to people with disabilities”
“parking accessible to people with disabilities”

‍(I) Outdated term:

“the insane”
“insane person”
“insane adult”
“insanity”
“imbecile”
“invalid”

(I) Replace with:

“people with a mental health conditions”
“person with a mental health condition"
“adult with a mental health condition”
“mental health condition”
“person with a disability”
“person with a cognitive disability”
“people with a disability”

(M) Outdated term:

"maimed"
“the mentally ill”
“mentally ill person”
“mentally ill adult”
"moron"

(M) Replace with:

“person with a mental health condition”
“person with a mental health condition”
“person with a mental health condition”
“adult with a mental health condition”
“person with a disability”
“person with a developmental disability”
“person with a cognitive disability”

(L) Outdated term:

“learning disabled”
“lunatic”

(L) Replace with:

“has a learning disability"
“person with a mental health condition”

(S) Outdated term:

“suffering from disability”

(S) Replace with:

“has a disability”

(W) Outdated term:

wheelchair user” or
“wheelchair bound”

(W) Replace with:

“person who uses a wheelchair/mobility chair”

‍Source: The Office of Disability Rights: People First Language Usage Guidelines